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Dealing with a Loved One’s Estate

Losing a loved one is a sad and challenging time for family, relatives, and friends. In addition, those left behind must often figure out how to transfer or inherit property from the deceased person. The property a person leaves behind when they die is called the "decedent's estate." The "decedent"...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Liquidating Personal Property

One key task when managing an estate might involve liquidating personal property. While some estates may lean toward professional auctions or estate sales, others, especially smaller estates, might opt for a more DIY approach like a garage or yard sale. However, it's important to approach this proce...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Grief is a Journey

Grief is a journey that everyone experiences differently, marked by deeply personal rituals, reflections, and emotions. When visiting a cemetery, for instance, the passage of time can become starkly apparent-graves no longer look as new, and the simple acts of care, like straightening a flag or brin...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Dealing with Personal Property

A Guide to Making Thoughtful Decisions and Honoring MemoriesAs a real estate agent specializing in probate transactions, I often work with clients who are navigating the challenging and emotional process of handling a loved one’s estate. One of the most daunting tasks during this time is deciding wh...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Inheriting an Occupied Home

Inheriting an Occupied Home: Navigating Tenant and Family Dynamics as a Personal RepresentativeInheriting a home as the personal representative of an estate can be a complex and emotionally charged situation, especially when the home is occupied by a family member who does not want to move. Balancin...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Full-Service Estate Sale Liquidation

Full-Service Estate Sale LiquidationA full-service estate sale liquidation company offers a comprehensive range of services designed to help individuals or families manage and sell personal property after a significant life event, such as a death, downsizing, or relocation. Here’s what they typicall...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Navigating Grief in Probate

Navigating Grief in Probate Real EstateEmbarking on a probate real estate transaction isn’t just a practical process; it’s an emotional journey, especially for individuals who are navigating through the complexities of loss and property matters. As part of our specialty in probate real estate, we ai...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Grieving while a Personal Rep

When navigating estate administration responsibilities while grieving, it's crucial to avoid certain behaviors that can exacerbate your emotional and practical challenges.Don't Rush or Make Major Decisions HastilyGrief can cloud judgment, leading to decisions that you may later regret. Avoid making...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025
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Handling a Decedent’s Mail

When someone dies, the mail doesn't stop. The bills keep on coming, and magazines continue. They may be on many mailing lists, and friends may not have been aware. As executor, the mail is your responsibility; however, it is also a source of information.Mail is InformationThe decedent may have a tid...

  • By Bernie Stephan
  • Dec 9, 2025